If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Why not just go for the JF17? By the time you put all those fancy toys in and factored in the development costs, such a J7 would probably come close if not surpass the current JF17 price tag and not be nearly as capable.

This is just a mental exercise, no serious proposition (and anyways, who cares about what I think?). I think a small AESA from China's parts bin may not be too expensive in 4-5 years. Plus new Chinese avionics and EW again wouldn't be that expensive either. Now engine change would admittedly be expensive and problematic. But what if Bangladesh wanted to modernize its F-7BGs 5 years down the line? Of course, we could just get JF-17s but maybe we could save some money and spend it on education and buy only a squadron of JF-17s or J-10s to augment our airforce (while upgrading the F-7s to make them lethal).

Originally Posted by vikasrehman

Yups.
Im not sure if PLAAF would want to go for another upgrade of J-7 considering they are in the process of modifying their J-10 and J-11BS is also there. In theory, you can perhaps add all those toys to a J-7 but that would make it heavier, reducing its small range even further. Add CFTs? Yes and reduce the thrust? Add a more powerful engine?....Not feasible.

I am pretty sure myself that PLAAF would not get into such an upgrade. I doubt if a small AESA would make the J-7s much heavier. We could simplify the cooling system and trade of a bit on performance. Newer avionics are also not that heavy. Of course, EW and ECM may be, but these can be rationalized. Then again, engine would make it expensive, unless there is an engine that fits in perfectly. CFTs would make zero sense (to me).

In December 2008, rumors were rife of the J-10's latest incarnation, the J-10B to have taken off for the first time. Now in April 2009, we see for the initial leak of images for this plane. The J-10B appears as the next iteration of China's vaunted 4th Generation fighter and looks to take the J-10 to the 4.5 Generation level.

The differences that have been identified from the earlier J-10 include a DSI intake, similar to the one on the FC-1/JF-17. The nose is now oval, more similar to an F-16's and is slightly canted downwards. An IRST similar to the J-11Bs also feature on top of the nose. Slanted radome paint along with some of the other features suggest an AESA radar.
Deino's graphical representation of possible AESA

The J-10B incorporates a new small ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer and this stabilizer also appears to be longer and ending in a "shark-fin". The ECM housing is similar to the housing on the JF-17. The two ventral fins are also extended further and are larger irrespective of the shark-fin. The aerodynamic refinements of the longer vertical stabilizer and the ventral fins appear to be a result of the DSI intakes which create greater lateral forces on the aircraft.

The wide angle HUD featured on the J-11Bs seem to have also appeared on the J-10B. While it cannot be confirmed, it appears that the cockpit itself has been redesigned extensively. Other than the new ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer, new MAWs appear on the tail bump. Just below these, curious breaks appear on the fuselage that some observers are referring to as possible formation lights "slime lights", but expert opinion from a Lockheed Martin source suggest that they are FLIR sensors. A redesigned satellite communication unit appears right behind the cockpit.

A retractable refueling probe is likely, given the development of the J-10 thus far, and is possibly located on the port side, not visible in the latest photographs. The photographs also suggest new under-wing pylons. These appear to be strengthened for a variety of possible uses, ranging from larger drop tanks to ASMs.

The engine is likely to be either a redesigned WS-10A (B?) or possibly the WS-15, a new generation engine currently in advanced development. This would not only have higher thrust than the AL-31s, but also feature TVCs, giving the J-10Bs vaunted agility an even greater boost. The actual engine on the aircraft presently on the released pictures, is the AL-31.

Like the J-10S, a J-10BS is also eventually likely. This would be an advanced trainer with the 360 degree view similar to the J-10S. EW/Wild Weasel variants could also eventually be possible.

^^ while some of the above might be true based on various reports from various sources and pictures but grandstrategy, in general, is one of the worst sites to quote (exceeding even wikipedia in made up stuff).

^^ while some of the above might be true based on various reports from various sources and pictures but grandstrategy, in general, is one of the worst sites to quote (exceeding even wikipedia in made up stuff).

Took a look. Seems to be an amateurish fanboy site and not an actual news outlet.

AFM's article on the Bangladesh Air Force had mentioned that they are looking at the JF-17 as it has been offered to them. so I don't think that they will be looking to upgrade their J-7s. and anyway, they have the more capable MiG-29s in service, why not upgrade those instead ? its a far superior platform and they should have adequate hours on the airframe.

Bangladesh has had a huge problem in finding the finances to keep their MiG-29s running.

^^ while some of the above might be true based on various reports from various sources and pictures but grandstrategy, in general, is one of the worst sites to quote (exceeding even wikipedia in made up stuff).

Just how on earth did you come up with this?
"While it cannot be confirmed, it appears that the cockpit itself has been redesigned extensively."

Heck, not even a fanboy pic has been released that would make it "appear". I am not saying its not a possibility, since JF-17 cockpit is all glass, and the new gen cockpit that was displayed at the Zuhai show, but you cannot say "it appears" because there are no pictures or references to support that.

" Just below these, curious breaks appear on the fuselage that some observers are referring to as possible formation lights "slime lights", but expert opinion from a Lockheed Martin source suggest that they are FLIR sensors. "

I don't think pshamim is with LM any longer and neither do I think those are FLIR.

Just how on earth did you come up with this?
"While it cannot be confirmed, it appears that the cockpit itself has been redesigned extensively."

Heck, not even a fanboy pic has been released that would make it "appear". I am not saying its not a possibility, since JF-17 cockpit is all glass, and the new gen cockpit that was displayed at the Zuhai show, but you cannot say "it appears" because there are no pictures or references to support that.

" Just below these, curious breaks appear on the fuselage that some observers are referring to as possible formation lights "slime lights", but expert opinion from a Lockheed Martin source suggest that they are FLIR sensors. "

I don't think pshamim is with LM any longer and neither do I think those are FLIR.

At least you took the time to read before jumping the gun

According to some chinese sources I exchange emails with, the cockpit is very likely redesigned. I used "appears" metaphorically, surely there are no pictures and I have claimed none.

pshamim may not be with LM but he can still have friends there no? Granted, I thought they were slime lights at first but I tend to value PShamim's posts more than others.

http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url...5/5/1izae.html
reports on 5 May 2009 that some researcher named Kotani Tetsuo of the Japanese think-tank Ocean Policy Research Foundation claims a Chicom carrier will have no huge impact on cross-strait military power balance.
OTOH, his essay also encourages the Chicom's neighbours, ie, Japan, South Korea, and the US military in them, to improve their intelligence and weapons to contain the China threat. 8b

5 May 2009:
HKGFS (Hong Kong Government Flying Service) will request HK$ 770 mil (HK$ 7.8 = US$ 1), to replace its existing two BAe Jetstream 41 fixed-wing SAR planes.
The existing two Jetstream 41s are 10 years old, discontinued production, and their spare parts will run out in four years.
The article doesn't specify the new "small jet plane", but describes it as 70% faster, and range is 56% to four times farther.
OTOH, legislators point out the existing two planes cost only HK$ 140 mil.

I think that's more than clear ... and they were only put together as they show both versions in very similar views !

Deino

...

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one:
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods:
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
-------------------------------------------------
W.H.Auden (1945)

China's possession of aircraft carriers is not a matter of if but when. Last November, an official in China's Ministry of National Defense touched for the first time in a public venue on the possibility of his nation acquiring aircraft carriers.

China has purchased three carriers built by the former Soviet Union and one built by Australia, gaining an opportunity to study their structures. One of those, the Varyag, was supposed to serve as a floating casino in Macao, but it is now moored at a shipyard in Dalian, where it has been painted the same gray as other naval vessels, and an angled deck has been installed. The Varyag does not have engines and cannot be deployed as China's first aircraft carrier, but it can be used for research/training purposes.

XXJ?

Interesting pictures posted over at sinodefence.

There are no markings or distinguishing features to ID this as being Chinese, but from it second picture, its clear that this design has progressed a very long way. And I have not seen a design like it from any of the other major powers, which leaves only China.

Attached Thumbnails

the true power of religion does not lie with the deity, it lies with the priests.

There are no markings or distinguishing features to ID this as being Chinese, but from it second picture, its clear that this design has progressed a very long way. And I have not seen a design like it from any of the other major powers, which leaves only China.

well, I'm just glad to see some speculation on a single engined 5th gen. I think this has been one hell of a blind spot vis-a-vis the MiG-E and whatever China makes (if it does at all)

???? ... but not that strange model above, that's clearly an US project (don't know the real name, but it is one !)

Deino

...

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one:
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods:
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
-------------------------------------------------
W.H.Auden (1945)

There are no markings or distinguishing features to ID this as being Chinese, but from it second picture, its clear that this design has progressed a very long way. And I have not seen a design like it from any of the other major powers, which leaves only China.